Free Shadow Walker by Allyson James Page B

personality. The desk and chairs were gunmetal gray, and the only things on the walls were official certificates of training and licenses Ted had received. The white metal window blind was raised a precise one-quarter of the way, an angle that shut out the enormous and beautiful sky in favor of a slice of parking lot.
    Ted’s smile held as I put in my plea for more time.
    “Not possible,” he said. “I’m on a deadline too, Ms. Begay.”
    “What deadline? I had to pass inspection to open, but even then the county didn’t give me a deadline. I just couldn’t open until I passed.”
    Ted leaned against the edge of his desk. His light brown eyes set off his tan, as did his white polo shirt.
    “Well, you see, little gal, that hotel is sitting on prime real estate. If the county seizes the property, we can sell it for a pretty penny. Hopi County can always use money. Now, I wouldn’t want to see this happen to you.” He set the clipboard on the desk with a decisive click. “I want to help you keep your cozy hotel, I really do. But the county says that if it’s not up to code by end of next week, I have to shut it down.”
    “I have a team working on it.” My mouth hurt as I said it.
    Ted’s smile widened. “I’m sure you do, sweetie. I’m sure you do. I’m not your enemy, you know. I’ve always liked Indians, and I want to see them catch a break after so many years of oppression. What can I do to help you out?”
    If he were so sympathetic, why did his sympathy grate on my nerves? People existed who really did want to help Native Americans, some of them not very effectual, some clueless and doing more harm than good, but many were well-meaning and even kind. Ted, however, was in the condescending, what-will-make-me-look-good class.
    “Give me another month,” I said. “That would help.”
    “Now, that I can’t do. Although . . .” Ted stepped around me and shut the door, giving me a furtive wink in the process. “Maybe we can talk. My job gives me some pull.” He brushed by me again to close the blinds all the way. He smelled of fresh soap and toothpaste, not bad smells, but for some reason I didn’t like them.
    “My electrician showed me where the wiring has been sabotaged,” I said, folding my arms. “I don’t know who did that, and I don’t know how, but I know she didn’t do it.”
    I’d have suspected Ted himself, but the extent of the damage was vast and would have taken a long time. Someone would have noticed Ted repeatedly trotting down to my basement. No, something else was going on.
    “I can’t give you more time,” Ted said. “Honestly I can’t. But maybe, you know, when I come back to inspect next week, I can cut you some slack.”
    Again with the winking. Did he know how annoying that was?
    Winter wind struck the building with a crash, rattling the window panes and howling around the eaves. Wind danced in my fingers, and I closed my fists to contain it.
    “Sounds like a nice storm brewing,” Ted said. “So, how about it, little gal? Want me to help you out?”
    I wasn’t stupid enough to believe that he’d help me out of the goodness of his heart. “In exchange for what?”
    Another wink. “You know, we could be friends, Janet. Good friends.”
    The tips of my fingers began to crackle. “A free drink in my saloon?” I asked, letting the sarcasm drip. “Or a room for any friends and relatives who want to visit?”
    Ted chuckled. “Your hotel isn’t exactly four-star accommodations, and my family are too citified to come to a godforsaken place like Magellan. I was thinking something a little more . . . personal.” He stopped an inch in front of me, smarmy smile and all.
    I’d known damn well what he was getting at. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
    “Come on, little gal. You’re a cute thing, and my wife, she’s always busy. So busy, you wouldn’t believe it. If you keep me satisfied, I’ll make sure your hotel will pass its inspection.”
    He closed his